Elections and Electoral Approval

The City of West Kelowna's Mayor and Council were officially sworn in November 6, 2018 for a term of four years.

About Elections and Electoral Approval

Alternative Approval Processes

BC's Community Charter allows local governments to use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) as one means of seeking voter assent on a proposal, most commonly in matters involving long-term borrowing. An AAP is an alternative to a referendum, which is costlier to taxpayers and involves a lengthier process. The AAP allows voters 30 days to submit an elector response form in opposition to the local government's proposal. If 10% or more of eligible voters submit forms indicating their opposition to the proposal, then elector assent is not obtained and the AAP fails.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise the AAP process to eligible voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna also makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills, if timing permits; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.

Local Government Elections

The Local Government Act, Chapter 323, Part 3 establishes the regulations for elections, electors, candidates and any of their agents, and chief electoral officers. Local Government Elections are held every four years. The last was held October 20, 2018; the next will be held October 2022. During the four year term, if a member of Council is no longer able to fulfill their duties and resigns their post, the Local Government Act allows for a by-election to be held prior to the next election date, if required.

Additional procedures and regulations are also outlined in the City of West Kelowna Local Government Election Bylaw 0248.

In the case of a Local Government Election or a by-election, the City of West Kelowna must follow specified guidelines to advertise the process to eligible candidates and voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases media sources.

Referendums

A referendum is a popular vote used to obtain electoral approval on a matter being proposed by a legislative body. Typically voters are presented with a single question on a matter in which the legislative body has the authority to act.

A referendum can be binding or non-binding depending on the matter at hand. If a referendum is binding, a government must carry out the decision of the electorate; if a referendum is non-binding, the government can take the ruling of the electorate into consideration in making its decision.

In British Columbia, a binding referendum must be held on a significant issue such as incorporation, certain bylaws and disposal of public assets. A non-binding referendum can be held on important matters where a municipal council may be interested in knowing how a community stands on a particular issue and where the results may be helpful to elected officials looking to make a final decision on a pressing or polarizing issue.

Assent of the electors is obtained when a majority of valid votes are found to be in favour of the bylaw or question. If the bylaw or question fails to obtain the majority assent of the electors, then a local government must wait six months before it is permitted to hold another referendum on the same question or bylaw, provided that the Province of British Columbia approves.

The City of West Kelowna is required to follow specified guidelines to advertise a referendum process to eligible voters. In addition to these specified guidelines, the City of West Kelowna makes information available: on its website; through eNotifications to subscribers; via quarterly newsletters in utility bills, if timing permits; on its social media pages - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; and, through distribution of public service announcements and/or news releases to media.

Information For Candidates and Registered Campaigns

Election Sign Guidelines

Signs may be posted during the campaign period so long as the placement complies with Sign Bylaw No. 0250. Signs must not obscure travel lines of vision nor obstruct cyclists, pedestrians nor traffic. Signs must not obstruct access to businesses, emergency vehicles or property. Signs cannot be placed within 100 metres of a polling station. See our maps of restricted areas around polling stations.

Important Links

Financial

Municipal

Provincial

Community Charter – Part 4 (Public Participation and Council Accountability)

Elections BC

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Interpretation Act

Local Government Act: Part 3 – Electors and Elections

Province of British Columbia Candidates Guide for Local Elections in British Columbia

Information for Electors

Voter Qualifications - Who Is Eligible To Vote?

Electors Who Live in the City of West Kelowna (Resident Electors)

You are eligible to vote as a resident elector if you are:

18 years of age or older on voting day
A Canadian citizen
A resident living in British Columbia for at least six months before voting
A resident living in the City of West Kelowna for at least 30 days before voting
Not disqualified from voting due to an election offence
Not ineligible to vote for other reasons such as elections offences

Electors Who Own Property in West Kelowna But Live in Another Jurisdiction (Non-Resident Electors)

You may vote as a non-resident elector if you:

Are 18 years of age or older on voting day
Are a Canadian citizen
Are not a resident in the City of West Kelowna
Are not ineligible to vote for other reasons such as elections offences
Have lived in British Columbia for at least six months before voting
Have owned property within the City of West Kelowna for at least 30 days before voting
Have written consent from the majority of the property's co-owners to vote as the non-resident elector; proof is required using the Non-resident Elector Consent Form. Bring the form to the polling station when voting; or, obtain the form from the polling station and return to vote with the completed and signed document.

Voter Registration - How Do You Register?

Resident Electors

You must provide two pieces of identification, one with a signature, that confirm who you are and where you presently live.

Non-Resident Electors

You must provide two pieces of identification, one with a signature, that confirm who you are and where you presently live.

You must provide written consent from the majority of the property's co-owners to vote as the non-resident elector. Bring the completed and signed Non-resident Elector Consent Form when you arrive to vote at the polling station; or obtain the form from the polling station and return to vote with the completed and signed document.

Voting - Mobility Assistance - How Does Curbside Voting Work?

The City of West Kelowna makes every effort to ensure polling stations are accessible.

If you find that a polling station is difficult to access, curbside voting is available. Simply ask another voter to inform election staff of your need for assistance and election staff will bring your ballot to your vehicle.

If you require an interpreter, please bring one with you to the polling station.

If you are unable to mark your own ballot, you may ask a relative, friend or election staff to assist you.